How to Start Meal Planning
The new school year is kicking off, and, like the New Year in January, we tend to make changes this time of year to make our lives easier. I know that I always set out with the intention to make this school year run a little smoother than the last and correct the mistakes we may have fallen into in the past. One of the best things that I have done for myself and my family is learn to meal plan and stick with it. Is it my favorite thing to do? No. Does it make my life infinitely easier? Yes.
5 Steps to Creating a Meal Plan:
1. Collect 15-30 dinners that your family enjoys. The idea is to rotate these meals so that it doesn’t get boring. If you’re ok with boring (I totally am), pick 7-10 meals.
2. Type these meals up in a list.
3. Gather the recipes and either print them out from a website or type them out for yourself.
4. Make grocery lists for each meal and add your list to your recipe page.
5. Put your master list, followed by the recipes/shopping lists, in a binder.
How to Use Your List
You can either just go down the list and schedule each meal that way, or you can take it to the next level and have your schedule handy. Make note of nights that you are short on time or you have places to be. I know that certain nights are rushed, and I need to have something in a crock pot or premade. Other nights, I know we are free and I have time to put a little more effort in.
I look at my list and pick out some meals that are easier and plug them into our schedule for the busy nights. Then I pick a few others for the slower evenings.
I start my shopping list with the items from the recipes I have chosen, and then I look at my fridge and pantry to see what I may already have and what I need.
Once I know what I need, I add my list to an order at one of the stores that I shop at, and I choose a pickup or delivery time that fits our schedule.
Once you have your list and recipes in one spot, this process takes no more than 30 minutes, and dinner for the week (or month) is figured out.
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep it all straight, download the Easy Meal Planning Packet for FREE to get started!
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I would love to hear how this works for you or how you plan your meals differently. Leave a comment and let me know!
